Extractions: Bahamas The traditional culture of The Bahamas lives away from the American-influenced urban centers of Nassau and Freeport. The islands' folkways stem in large part from the tales, bush medicine, music and religion brought over by African slaves. A popular 'folk' religion is obeah , a system of beliefs governing interactions between the living and the spirit world. It's a less sinister cousin of Haitian voodoo and Cuban . The vast majority of Bahamians, however, belong to mainline Christian denominations (though many Anglican priests hedge their bets and mix a little good-willed obeah into their practice). Most islanders are steadfast in their religious beliefs: many taxi drivers and office workers keep a Bible at hand. Church affairs make headline news, while major international events are relegated to the inside pages. The country claims the greatest number of churches per capita in the world. English, the official language and that of business and daily life, is spoken by everyone but a handful of Haitian immigrants, who speak their own Creole. Most black Bahamians speak both standard English and patois. While The Bahamas has yet to produce a writer of world renown and its visual arts scene has been slow to take shape, the islands have a vibrant musical culture. The country has produced several traditional forms of music, including goombay, a synthesis of calypso, soca and English folk songs; and down-home, working-class 'rake 'n' scrape,' usually featuring guitar, accordion and shakers made from the pods of poinciana trees.

Bahamas Culture, History And Information Want to learn more about the culture of the Bahamas? We have fascinating informationboth current and historical. Check out the Bahamas history page. http://www.bahamasgateway.com/culture.htm

Extractions: Nassau Bahamas, Bahamas Gateway, Bahamas Information, Bahamas Vacations, Bahamas Hotel, Bahamas Travel Guide. Bahama Houseboats Your Caribbean Houseboat Vacation Source! Over 50 Simple-To-Cook Bahamian Recipes. Get the latest news with the BahamasGateway Newsletter Recommend Us! Employment with Bahamas Gateway The people who live in The Bahamas are predominantly of West African descent who were captured and forced into slavery on the cotton plantations in the Americas. Most white residents of the Bahamas are descendants of the first English settlers (English Puritans ), who emigrated to Bermuda in 1647 to gain religious freedom and settled on the island of Eleuthera. The culture is a melting pot of many native customs ranging from the indigenous "Indian" people who populated the Bahamas, including West African, English and other cultures who over the past three or four centuries, arrived in the Bahamas. People from many diverse backgrounds, such as British Loyalists (accompanied by slaves) fleeing America after the War of Independence, Bermudan slaves, people from other Caribbean islands, and many other nationalities.

Bahamas Culture, History And Information This tradition, called bush medicine, was brought to the Bahamas by Africanslaves and gained importance in the out islands where doctors were rarely http://www.bahamasgateway.com/bahamas_bush_medicine.htm

Extractions: Nassau Bahamas, Bahamas Gateway, Bahamas Information, Bahamas Vacations, Bahamas Hotel, Bahamas Travel Guide. Bahama Houseboats Your Caribbean Houseboat Vacation Source! Where Pink Coral sand meets Clear Turquoise water Get the latest news with the BahamasGateway Newsletter Recommend Us! Bahamian Bush Medicine Bahamians have used indigenous plants for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. This tradition, called "bush medicine," was brought to the Bahamas by African slaves and gained importance in the out islands where doctors were rarely available. Cat Islanders , with their reputation for longevity, attribute bush medicine with keeping them healthy. Nearly 100 plants in the islands of the Bahamas have been used to cure such common ailments as indigestion, colds, diarrhea, and headaches. There are even bush medicine treatments for diseases such as leukemia and cancer! In fact, some of these herbal remedies are beginning to be researched and used by herbalists and natural health practitioners worldwide as viable treatments for serious illnesses, including hepatitis and HIV. One of the most versatile native

Extractions: The 275,000 people who live in The Bahamas are predominantly of West African descent. Their ancestors were slaves brought to the islands to work the cotton plantations until 1834, when Britain abolished slavery in all its territories. Most white residents of are descendants of the first English settlers, who emigrated from Bermuda in 1647 to gain religious freedom. Some are also related to the Loyalists who fled the southern United States during the American Revolution and built enormous plantations here. After the abolition of slavery, life in the islands changed drastically. The plantations were dissolved, and both blacks and whites turned to the bountiful sea (sponging and fishing) or tried to farm. The lack of fertile cropland prompted the islanders to become a nation of seafarers, and Bahamians used these skills to great advantage during the days of shipwrecking, gun running, and Prohibition. Bahamians take great pride in their past , especially their names, which are indicative of a rich cultural legacy. There are many common names like the Gibsons, reputedly from Scotland; the Alburys, Malones and Russells, said to be Irish Loyalists; and the Eleuthera Bethels, who say they came with those zealous adventurers years ago. It has been said that the Bethels once spelled their name with two 'l's', but removed one because of their religious convictions. The Black Bahamians' roots go back just as far, as evidenced by the many who took the name "Rolle," after Lord Rolle, a wealthy and much-loved planter in

BAHAMAS CULTURE NEWS backin-the-balmy-Bahamas days while back in front of my computer in Brooklyn.It is obvious that he is a sincere proud advocate of Bahamian culture and on http://members.tripod.com/~Amasewa/Bahamas-CultureViews.html

Extractions: At left, the late Freddie Munnings, Sr. , one of Nassau's leading musician/composers, bandleaders, and entrepreneurs. He was the owner of the famed Cat and Fiddle Club, a venue where top Black artists from around the world came to entertain in the 50's and 60's. Among such artists were Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Harry Belafonte, Paul Anka, Count Basie, and Roy Hamilton. The club also featured talented artists from Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The Cat and Fiddle was definitely the place to be in the 50's and 60's. In addition, his sons, Freddie Jr., (right) and Raphael Munnings (of "Funky Nassau" fame) followed closely in his footsteps musically, both being well-known Bahamian musicians. Fred Munnings, Jr., one of the coordinators of Junkanoo in June and one of the Junkanoo judges for the massive holiday rushouts, was instrumental in the production of a fabulous CD, Dreamer Man , in tribute to his father. The CD is a great mix of cultural/historical music with a distinctive Bahamian flavor. The poignant title tune, Dreamer Man, truly touches the core of one's soul; the cut, Come Back Home

Extractions: J u n k a L i n k s Glad you took the time to drop by our JunkaLinks page. Here you'll be cyber-networked with sites that provide information not only on the lovely Bahamas and its culture, but with sites furnishing cultural travel information throughout the diasporasites that we ourselves have found helpful and informative. Enjoy the surf! THE CULTURAL TRAVELER Cultural travel information and journals covering the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and global diaspora sites. Junkanoo SoulShop Junkanoo literary and listening treats (tapes,CDs, and Junkatales for cultural travel lovers. Web Bahamas vital info on the Bahamas and its businesses. Bahamas Culture Cookbook Cookbook and travel journal of Bahamian Junkanoo performer and his significant Brooklyn other. Taste the flavor of Junkanoo as well as the Bahamian/Brooklyn recipes. Chippie's Culture Page in honor of the King of the Junkanoo Drum and Queen Becky, his wife, the late Queen of Fire Dance. a colorful, vibrant sight on Bahamian travel and cultural offerings.

Extractions: Changes in L'attitudes Most Bahamians are of African descent - about 85 percent. The remaining white population is directly descended from Loyalists, Eleutheran adventurers and sailors. Some families have been Bahamian for over two centuries. Bahamians are a dynamic, independent and friendly people who love music. Religion is an important part of their lives and churches are plentiful. English is spoken throughout the islands. People-To-People Programme People-to-People is a year-round Ministry of Tourism programme intended to give visitors a genuine and informal view of Bahamian hospitality and culture as you might see it when visiting a friend. Volunteers holding interests similar to yours are available to give a sample of Bahamian life in a convenient, personal way. You may join them at home for pleasant conversation and an authentic Bahamian meal, at civic or social clubs, at a church service or sports event, or see the sights with a native interpretation. People-to-People is a popular activity. More than 1,000 volunteers are available in Nassau and about 100 in Freeport. They come from all walks of life and undergo an eligibility screening prior to becoming enrolled. Visitors are matched with residents of similar age groups, interests and professions - for example, pairing a visiting schoolteacher with a Bahamian teacher. Because many volunteers are professionals, most get-togethers take place in the evenings or on weekends and volunteers will gladly donate their time in the spirit of international goodwill.

Bahamas Culture & The History Of The Bahamas bahamas culture is rich in history with the various backgrounds, Bahamian traditionsand beliefs  shaped Bahamian culture into the unique, colorful http://www.abaco.tv/bahamas-culture.asp

Extractions: More Information Leaving on Friday, April 4, 2003 . Since this is last minute, Contact us so we can help you get things organized. Attention: Honeymooners to be! We have phenomenal honeymoon cruise packages. Make sure you visit our Honeymoon Cruises Page baja mar A culture rich in history - yet even richer in friendliness and the bounty of the Bahamas Bahamian culture is like no other – a harmonious blending of many different peoples, traditions and ways of life. The first immigrants arrived in 1648, – dissident English Puritans (the "Eleutheran Adventurers") seeking religious freedom. Since then, the islands have witnessed the arrival of Bermudan slaves, British Loyalists fleeing America after the Revolution, freed Africans from slave ships, Seminoles from Florida, people fleeing the South after the Civil War, people from other Caribbean islands, as well as Chinese, Syrian and Greek immigrants. These peoples – with their different backgrounds, traditions and beliefs – shaped Bahamian culture into the unique, colorful patchwork of life and lifestyles that it is today. English is the official language of The Bahamas.

Extractions: More Information Leaving on Friday, April 4, 2003 . Since this is last minute, Contact us so we can help you get things organized. Attention: Honeymooners to be! We have phenomenal honeymoon cruise packages. Make sure you visit our Honeymoon Cruises Page Abaco Islands Air Travel Links Suggested Links

Bahamas Culture: Junkanoo Festival To experience Bahamian culture and art, you should make plans to attend Junkanoo. importantpart of the Christmas season, and The Islands Of The Bahamas is the http://www.bahamatravelnet.com/culture/junkanoo.html

Extractions: Changes in L'attitudes To experience Bahamian culture and art, you should make plans to attend Junkanoo. The Bahamian festival of Junkanoo is an energetic, colourful parade of brightly costumed people gyrating and dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles. The celebration occurs on December 26 and January 1 - beginning in the early hours of the morning (2:00 a.m.) and ending at dawn. Junkanoo is reminiscent of New Orleans' Mardi Gras and Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, but it is distinctly Bahamian and exists nowhere else. Parade participants - arranged in groups of up to 1,000 - are organized around a particular theme. Their costumes, dance and music reflect this theme. At the end of the Junkanoo procession, judges award cash prizes. The three main categories for the awards are: best music, best costume and best overall group presentation. The most spectacular Junkanoo parade occurs in Nassau. However, you can also experience it on Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Bimini and Abaco. It's held on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day (January 1) from 2:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. If you wish to experience the cultural festival of Junkanoo, plan ahead and arrive early. In Nassau, some of the best views are upstairs on Bay Street, or on the street-side bench seats, which you may reserve in advance.

Bahamas Culture: Art, Dance And Music domination and American culture, to be its best cultural expression. Religioushymns resemble the American slave songs brought to The Bahamas during the http://www.bahamatravelnet.com/culture/art.html

Extractions: Changes in L'attitudes Many Bahamians have an artistic side, which they express through their colourful art, infectious music or exuberant dancing. When you visit The Bahamas, take time to view the local artwork. Not surprisingly, you'll see brightly coloured art that reflects the beauty of the people and their islands. Some artists - like Amos Ferguson, Maxwell Taylor and Stan Burnside - have attained international acclaim. Ferguson's works are on permanent display at the Pompey Museum in Nassau. The traditional music of The Bahamas is goombay, which combines the musical traditions from Africa with that of the European colonial influence. Goombay, the Bantu word for "rhythm," also refers to the type of goatskin drum used to produce the rolling rhythm of this type of music. Rake and scrape bands have been playing goombay music since the time of slavery, when African slaves had few resources to create musical instruments. Typically, rake and scrape bands had a drum fashioned out of a pork barrel and goatskin, a carpenter's saw that was scraped with a metal file, maracas, rhythm sticks and a homemade bass violin (a washtub with a string through it that was tied to a three-foot stick). Traditionally, rake and scrape music is used to accompany the Bahamian Quadrille and the Heel and Toe Polka dances - another example of how African and European influences have blended together.

Extractions: Bahamas Travel Forum : The Bahamas Traveler is a discussion forum to aid persons interested in travel to the Bahamas. Feel free to post any questions you might have in the appropriate forum below. Where to go, where to stay, what to do, what to bring - find out here. Perhaps you have a great Bahamas vacation story, share it with us and post it here.

Extractions: Welcome to WorldRover's listing of country history and culture for The Bahamas. Check out the links below to find more information on the people and history of a country. On the right you can also find flag clip art and maps available for free download. Embassy information is also available for a number of countries around the world, however, please confirm all information. We hope to add additional links regarding the culture of The Bahamas as they become available. If you have a site or know of a site that should be added, please let us know. Thanks for visiting WorldRover's history, people, and culture site. The Bahamas Culture and History Books AOL Anywhere International Web Channel - News, maps, currency information, sports, and weather. Anthro.Net Research Engine - Search engine of web sites and bibliographic references for anthropology, archaeology, linguistics and related social sciences. - Historians answer individualized questions about European history for free. Center For World Indigenous Studies: African Documents - Reports on indigenous peoples.

Extractions: Countries Culture Market Community Resources Anguilla Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic European Union Florida France Grenada Guadeloupe Guyana Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Montserrat Netherlands Netherlands Antilles Puerto Rico St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines Suriname Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos United Kingdom United States United States Virgin Islands Venezuela Thursday, April 03, 2003 The Spanish gave the islands "Baja Mar" which when translated means "Shallow Sea". The islands are actually derived from mountain plateaus that emerged from the Atlantic thousands of years ago. The geography of the islands attracted many well-known pirates, such as the infamous Blackbeard and Anne Bonney who were very dominant in the ear known as "The Golden Age of Piracy". These infamous people occupation was to lure ships and when they ran aground, they were looted. These looted ships were mainly British, French and Spanish ships returning from Mexico laden with gold.

Extractions: HOME HELP US CONTACT US NEWSLETTER ... SPONSORS Whichever country you are from, please take a few minutes to share with people all over the world information about your culture, in the forum for your country. For example, describe: And please, also share your thoughts on how the people of the world can come together and live in harmony. How can we create global peace?

Best Places On Earth - Destination Guides - Bahamas Click on one of the banner topics to get you started in the beautiful, sunbakedbahamas culture, travel info, business, news and weather, or the photo gallery http://www.bestplacesonearth.com/destinations/bahamas_guides.shtml

Extractions: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Click on one of the banner topics to get you started in the beautiful, sun-baked Bahamas: culture, travel info, business, news and weather, or the photo gallery. Do your quick research through a pull-down menu for activities on the Abacos, the Biminis, the Exumas, Andros, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Nassau, and other Out Islands. Store your selections in a temporary itinerary and review your choices later. Do a search for your nearest Certified Bahamas Specialist. Then go! Bahamas Net Bahamas net branches into over 175 pages of relevent information, addresses, numbers, and connections. Beyond accommodations and activities, the site has an up-to-date calendar, which puts you in touch with all the art and culture activities of the coming months, and a government info section that takes you on an informative tour of the organization, powers, and policies of this British Commonwealth. Grand Bahama Island The avowed purpose of this website, sponsored by the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, is to get you to think past the casinos, resorts, and flash of Freeport - though they do not want you to forget it completely! - and consider the nature, the history, and the people of the rest of the island. The site yields a good combination of information by presenting short commentaries with embedded link-outs to details. The easy-going site accomplishes its purpose.

Extractions: About ZUJI Travel Resource Links Travel Resources Home Research a Destination Convert Currency Check Weather Check Visa Requirements Buy Travel Insurance Flight Arrival/Departure Info Book a Flight Find a Hotel Hire a Car Log-in Log-out Become a Member Site Map Travel Resources Home Destination Guides Travel Tools Culture The traditional culture of The Bahamas lives away from the American-influenced urban centers of Nassau and Freeport. The islands' folkways stem in large part from the tales, bush medicine, music and religion brought over by African slaves. A popular 'folk' religion is obeah , a system of beliefs governing interactions between the living and the spirit world. It's a less sinister cousin of Haitian voodoo and Cuban santer­a . The vast majority of Bahamians, however, belong to mainline Christian denominations (though many Anglican priests hedge their bets and mix a little good-willed obeah into their practice). Most islanders are steadfast in their religious beliefs: many taxi drivers and office workers keep a Bible at hand. Church affairs make headline news, while major international events are relegated to the inside pages. The country claims the greatest number of churches per capita in the world. English, the official language and that of business and daily life, is spoken by everyone but a handful of Haitian immigrants, who speak their own Creole. Most black Bahamians speak both standard English and patois. While The Bahamas has yet to produce a writer of world renown and its visual arts scene has been slow to take shape, the islands have a vibrant musical culture. The country has produced several traditional forms of music, including goombay, a synthesis of calypso, soca and English folk songs; and down-home, working-class 'rake 'n' scrape,' usually featuring guitar, accordion and shakers made from the pods of poinciana trees.